blondfish

Hi all, A few weeks ago I bought a second hand AquaOne AR-126 35L tank, I removed the gravel and did all the required tests to make sure it was safe. Then came the cycle, since I couldn't locate any ammonia (could only find the cloudy stuff at countdown), I had to use a dead shrimp in some pantyhose, not the desired method, its been sitting in the tank for about 2 weeks now and with some mature media the ammonia is just starting to be processed. The tank will be a Dwarf Puffer, either a solitary male/female or trio (one male and two females). I'm going to plant it with a sand substrate, rocks and some driftwood. I'll be dosing with Seachem Flourish Excel. The current plant list is this... Java Fern Java Moss Baby Tears Vallis Crypts Thats all I have ATM I'm open for more suggestions though. Oh, and the light is an 11Watt AquaOne. This is the most recent pic.... Unfortunately, as you can see, I have gotten mold growing on the shrimp :phb: Thats it for now

Looks VERY good!!!

Aww, so cute! :love: :nfs:

Awww, thats so cute! :love: Can't wait to see pics of the fry!

I personally haven't had any prpblems with the Melafix but I've heard of many people having issues. Studies have been done and the Tea Tree oil has been proven to restrict breathing of the labyrinth organ. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

I'm not sure what it is but DO NOT use anything that ends in "fix" (pimafix, melafix, bettafix) when you're dealing with Bettas and other labyrinth fish (Gouramis etc.). They contain Tea Tree oils that coat the labyrinth organ and can prevent them from breathing. I recommend that you do a 100% water change to get rid of all the medication. Adding Carbon to the filter will also help.

Okay, was just making sure you were aware of the needs of the Angels Don't know of anyone selling a tank near Timaru, keep an eye out though as one is sure to pop up

Sounds good! Glad you're finally there Do you plan on keeping the Platy fry? Its always cool raising the fry and watching them grow up

Welcome to the forum Love the Dwarf Puffers, they're so cute! I'm thinking of setting up my own Dwarf Puffer tank in the near future :dnc1:

Welcome to the forum

Welcome to the forum. Be careful with the Dwarf Gouramis, the male may harass the female a lot, which will stress her. If you could get another female then that would help to spread the aggression out. Also WCMM prefer cooler temps. They will be fine in tropical temps, you just might find that they have a shorter lifespan than others that are kept in cooler temps. I love the Pygmy Corys, they're so cute! :love:

Welcome I love Scarlet Badis, they're so cool and cute! I wanted some but I didn't end up getting them because of the fact that some struggle to eat prepared food, I wasn't sure if I could provide live food I would also love to see some pics!

Welcome to the forum Hope your Bristlenose gets better! Unfortunately, your Clown Loaches may not be able to stay in your tank long-term as they can reach over 1 foot long

Welcome to the forum The best way to get ammonia down is to either do lots of water changes or get some mature filter media from a friend (maybe your mum?) or someone on here. Whenever the ammonia level is above 0.5-1.0ppm, you want to do a water change. Leaving fish in ammonia of this level (or higher) can affect the fish long term. Doing a fish in cycle will take months, if you can get some mature filter media then the time will be a lot less.

Welcome Your 75L sounds over stocked. Angels need a tank that is a minimum of 45cm high, most 75L aren't that big. It may be best if you rehome the Angels Sorry to hear about the loss of your fish. Was your tank cycled? What is currently in your 45L?

Welcome to the forum

Turning off your light would probably be better, unless you keep it on normally. The shouldn't be harmed too much. Keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrite readings though as some of the beneficial bacteria may have died off if it wasn't kept wet.

Nice piece of wood! From what I've read, boiling it isn't a good idea because it breaks down the wood fibres. Its better (and easier IMO) to soak it for a few weeks with daily water changes. Pouring hot water over it can help too.

I can't wait to see the progress and end result of this tank :spop:

Thanks, I'll have a look at her. I think I might have bought a test kit of her before so should hopefully be able to find her. I went to Carine last week but I wasn't aware they sold sand. I might pay them a visit tomorrow if I get time. Thanks for the help.

I think that's only for rocks, though I may be wrong. Another question to all..... Where would the best place be to buy the play sand? (Had a look at the black silica sand and its a bit too expensive)

I've been thinking, and I've come to the conclusion that black sand would look better, anywhere I could get this from? I've seen the flourish stuff but will only get this if there's no other options because its quite expensive. Would black grit work? Or would it be too sharp for the Pygmy's?

Oh, :slfg: sorry, I'm a bit slow today.

Question....Why? (sorry if its obvious)

Well that sucks I can't take any! Yeah I am, I grew up in Kerikeri though, was very confusing when I moved up here....Kerikeri, Katikati. Will this sort of sand be alright for Cory's? http://www.hollywoodfishfarm.co.nz/deta ... kg/m/1123/